Mission Devotional - November 3, 2016

Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to understand that greatness comes not from ascending, but descending. Help us to follow you on this downward path to servanthood and humility today. Amen.

Scripture:Matthew 23:1-12

Journal: How do these verses speak to what is going on in your life and heart today? Where and how are you trying to rise? Where and how are you humbling yourself? What is the result of each?

Reflection:

lower

there is a freedom in descending in letting go of climbing and jockeying and entering the spaciousness of becoming nothing

for when we are able to reach these misty lowlands somehow everything we most deeply long for becomes a possibility

purity and clarity fill our vision and call us beyond ourselves into a grander narrative one where i disappears as we emerges

o take me to that place lead me to that land for i will not find it on my own i keep trying to rise when the only way to arrive at this glorious destination is to bow

Prayer for the church, for others, for myself

We are providing prayer support for two families living in Creative Access countries who are "Tent Makers." Their work gives them access to the local population. Pray today for wisdom and safety for these two growing families.

INVEST (Immigrants Needing Vocational Education Support to Thrive) empowers immigrants to re-enter their professional field, with a restored sense of self-worth and opportunity to economically contribute to their new homeland by providing a bridge between the immigrants and employers in need of their skills. Partnering with World Relief Nashville's REACH program, the belief is that educated, skilled immigrants should not be limited to low-wage survival jobs when there is a pathway to substantiate their experience. Pray today for immigrants currently in this program.

Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive us for all the ways we will try to rise today; for all of the ways we will try to elevate our status. Help us to remember that the way to greatness in your kingdom is the way of serving. Amen.